Give Practical Gifts
Black Friday is the best time to purchase appliances. Our friends got a washer and dryer one year. Because nothing says Merry Christmas like clean clothes. Seriously, having cash to purchase an item that you need is more of a gift than the “gift” itself.
Each year during the “Honey, what do you want for Christmas this year?” question both my husband and I share practical gift ideas. Are we boring? Maybe. But, we're also practical. We know that there are things we need more than we want. My husband wants some new tires for an early birthday present. I'm gonna make someone a happy birthday boy… :)
So as you are thinking about Christmas gifts for the people on your list, ask them for practical gift ideas as well. Or, if you see an area that they struggle with, pick up items that you know can help in that area. I personally love those types of gifts. To me, they truly do say that you are paying attention.
Visit Happy Housewife to learn how to make a felted flower wreath. Felt flowers are truly practical for me. I'm the first person you take a plant to if you want it to die.
What are some inexpensive practical gifts you have given others?
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I once read that a gift you give will be more appreciated if it’s something related to the person’s interests. Most people forget the gifts you give them..I’ve seen a survey once where all the people asked couldn’t remember gifts given to them :-/ and we spend so much hard-earned money on them too. So I think to personalize it is the best way to go, based on their interests. Or my sister-in-law prints family pictures and puts them into a magnetic frame for the fridge, I thought that was cute and cost-effective.
When your local drugstore such as CVS or Walgreen’s advertises their collage pictures on sale throughout the year print out family favorites and save them to put in a nice frame you find on sale and stash the present away for future gift giving. No where is it written that you have buy Christmas presents during the holiday season; plan ahead; shop all year long for bargains
This is precisely why I created GiftSimple. The best gifts are things we actually need! With GiftSimple, you list something you’re saving up for and friends and family can contribute $5, $10, $50, however much. All the gifts you collect are redeemed in cash so you are free to spend it however, wherever, and whenever you like.
I’M glad I’m not the only “boring” person around. I would always buy ppl practical gifts and ask for practical gifts and my sister called me boring. My mom actually loves it she’ll tell me at least your gift I use everyday and it doesn’t sit on a shelf or the back of the closet like so and so’s gift.